OPINION

There were many doom-mongers who said moving Castle Market from its home to The Moor would sound the death knell for traders who would not sign up and shoppers would not come. Now, five months before the new market is due to open for business, it is reported that more than 90 per cent of the available stalls have been snapped up and traders have been turned away. And the market has been given a breath of new life with different types of businesses selected to give a twist to what customers are already being served at Castle Market. You will always get those who don’t like change warning of the end of civilisation as we know it. So it is good that sometimes we see strong leadership demonstrated by those who understand that sometimes change is needed and is for the better.

It’s a sign of the times

The Girl Guides decision to drop the phrase ‘to love my God’ from their promise is inevitable. When the Guides were formed, this phrase was appropriate but in this multi-cultural era the organisation has members who are not religious or from other faiths. In this case it is entirely appropriate to change and the new phrase ‘to be true to myself and develop my beliefs’ is a promise we could all make.

Let’s back the airport

The drop in passenger numbers at Doncaster Airport is a cause for concern, especially as other airports in the region appear to be doing well. However, we do not think it is cause for a public inquiry as called for by The Federation of Small Businesses. The forthcoming Airport link road should cut journey times from Sheffield to around 25 minutes. And airport officials are confident there will be a return to growth following a challenging time for the industry. We should supportm our local airport, not knock it.